The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and the M23 rebel group have signed a ceasefire agreement in Qatar, marking a hopeful turn in their prolonged conflict. The agreement, referred to as the Declaration of Principles, mandates both parties to halt attacks and any negative propaganda, with a goal of reaching a lasting peace. By July 29, both sides are tasked with implementing the terms of the deal. A comprehensive peace agreement is expected by August 18, aligning with a previous US-brokered deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, which denies any support for M23 rebels from Rwanda.
Decades of violence intensified earlier this year when M23 captured significant territories in eastern DR Congo, including the vital city of Goma and its surrounding airports. The UN reports that thousands have perished and many more have been displaced due to the conflict, though M23 claims the casualty figures are exaggerated.
DR Congo's spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, emphasized that the agreement respects the government's conditions, including the essential withdrawal of M23 from the areas they occupy. However, M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa indicated that the current accord does not specifically address their retreat. This marks the first formal agreement since the escalation of hostilities at the start of the year.
Qatar, which facilitated the negotiations, plans to continue discussions moving forward. The African Union Commission praised the declaration as a notable step towards enduring peace and security in the region. This declaration aims to restore state authority in eastern DR Congo, showcasing yet another attempt to resolve conflicts that have been ongoing for years, partly stemming from an earlier failed peace deal 16 years ago that did not lead to effective demobilization.
In previous meetings, DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for an immediate ceasefire, underscoring the urgency of resolving the crisis. The recent US involvement has attracted criticism, with many questioning the motives linked to the vast mineral resources of the region. President Tshisekedi and Kagame have also contemplated traveling to Washington to collaborate with President Trump, although no specific date has been set.
Decades of violence intensified earlier this year when M23 captured significant territories in eastern DR Congo, including the vital city of Goma and its surrounding airports. The UN reports that thousands have perished and many more have been displaced due to the conflict, though M23 claims the casualty figures are exaggerated.
DR Congo's spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, emphasized that the agreement respects the government's conditions, including the essential withdrawal of M23 from the areas they occupy. However, M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa indicated that the current accord does not specifically address their retreat. This marks the first formal agreement since the escalation of hostilities at the start of the year.
Qatar, which facilitated the negotiations, plans to continue discussions moving forward. The African Union Commission praised the declaration as a notable step towards enduring peace and security in the region. This declaration aims to restore state authority in eastern DR Congo, showcasing yet another attempt to resolve conflicts that have been ongoing for years, partly stemming from an earlier failed peace deal 16 years ago that did not lead to effective demobilization.
In previous meetings, DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for an immediate ceasefire, underscoring the urgency of resolving the crisis. The recent US involvement has attracted criticism, with many questioning the motives linked to the vast mineral resources of the region. President Tshisekedi and Kagame have also contemplated traveling to Washington to collaborate with President Trump, although no specific date has been set.
